“First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel-san, not mine.” —Mr. Miyagi, The Karate Kid
When you’re a kid you usually don’t think in the moment about the great thinkers whose teachings will stick with you later in life.
Maybe it’s an elder in your family, a faith leader, or an inspiring figure you read about in a history book.
For me, it was Pat Morita’s character, Mr. Miyagi, in The Karate Kid movies.
That’s right. I’m Miyagi-Do for life.
As an 80’s kid, I just knew that The Karate Kid was the coolest movie ever. I also knew that our living room was the perfect dojo for repeatedly crane-kicking my younger brothers into the couch cushions (sorry, guys!) and knocking over lamps (sorry, mom!).
I must have watched The Karate Kid a hundred times. I wore that VHS tape out. And Part II—the one set in Okinawa—is not just my favorite in the series, but quite possibly my favorite movie of all time.
So recently watching the Netflix series Cobra Kai as an adult, decades later, has been this strangely perfect, full-circle moment. Somehow, it managed to be completely corny and yet absolutely wonderful.
There’s something really special about seeing Ralph Macchio and Billy Zabka play the same roles they did when I was in elementary school, now that my own kid is in elementary school. Not many characters get to grow up with you like that.
Maximizer
Now, when Gallup defines the CliftonStrengths talent of Maximizer, they describe someone who focuses on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. Maximizers don’t want to bring things up from average. They want to take what’s already good and make it great. They don’t necessarily think about fixing what’s broken—they amplify what’s already strong.
In many ways, Cobra Kai (the dojo, not the Netflix series) could’ve been the story of a Maximizer. The whole vibe was about taking strong, confident kids and turning them into tournament champions. But it had some… flaws. A few blind spots. Mainly the whole “Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.” thing.
Mercy is for the weak? Get out of here with that early manosphere nonsense.
Their version of maximizing was more about aggression than growth. Sensei Kreese wasn’t about developing people—he was about dominating them.
But Mr. Miyagi? He’s the real Maximizer in this story.
He took Daniel, a kid from Reseda who felt out of place —and saw something more. He didn’t try to fix Daniel’s weaknesses. He focused on his potential. And he nurtured it the Miyagi way: through waxing on and off, painting the fence and patience. Daniel didn’t just become physically stronger—he became emotionally and mentally grounded. Balanced.
“Inside you have strong root. No need nothing except what inside you to grow.”
I usually pretend that The Karate Kid Part III doesn’t exist. But that quote about roots is so Maximizer to me.
Mr. Miyagi wasn’t interested in trophies. He cared about who Daniel was becoming. He wanted the life lessons, not just the here and now wins. He modeled excellence and trusted that Daniel could rise to meet it. And rise he did—all the way to All-Valley Championship.
That’s the heart of Maximizer. It’s not about overhauling people. It’s not about submission (or putting them in a bodybag, Johnny). It’s about recognizing the strength that already lives inside them, and helping that strength shine.
So yeah, The Karate Kid made for great drama and comedy. But the real hero? The quiet mentor who taught us that the best growth starts with balance.
What Would Miyagi Do?
Mr. Miyagi never set out to be anyone’s sensei. He wasn’t looking for a student. But when he saw Daniel in need—and saw the spark of potential within him—he stepped up. Not because it was on his résumé, but because it was in his nature. That’s the quiet power of a Maximizer.
You might find yourself in a similar spot. Maybe you didn’t set out to lead or coach, but here you are—in a role, a team, an organization—where part of your purpose is helping others go from good to great. That might mean investing in someone others have overlooked. It might mean offering patience when it’s easier to give up. It means recognizing excellence not just in outcomes, but in effort, in growth, in heart.
🎵You’re the best around Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down🎵
If you’re a Maximizer, that’s your black belt accomplishment.
So next time you’re tempted to focus on what’s missing, pause and ask: What’s already strong here? And how can I help it soar?
Because like Miyagi taught us—“First learn stand, then learn fly.”
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